Page 92 of Where We Bloom

“Looking forward to it.”

Chapter Seventeen

CONNOR

“She’s a headstrong girl,” Brandon, Billie’s da, says as we walk down the driveway. He asked me to join him on a wee walk, and I knew something like this was coming.

Especially after the way my angel kissed me in front of her family and staked her claim. For so many years, I’ve hated when people have ostensiblystaked their claimon me. It’s always been for an agenda or to propel the other person’s status.

Not this time.

Billie Blackwellshowedher entire family that I’m hers. I honestly wasn’t sure she’d ever get to the same point that I’m at, so I’m floored. I love this gorgeous woman.

I also almost hauled her off to the closest bedroom so I could fucking devour her.

“She’s a woman, not a girl,” I reply, and Brandonnods slowly next to me. “I mean no disrespect when I say that, sir.”

“None taken,” he replies. “You’re right. She’s going to be twenty-eight soon. She’s not a girl. But she’smygirl. And even though I appreciate the fancy ride home and the chance to see my family, I’m still going to put you on the spot and ask you what you feel for her. It must be strong if you’re sending your jet off to pick up her folks.”

I shove my hand through my hair and take a deep breath, enjoying the scent of pine and wildflowers hanging in the air. “I’ve never known anyone like Billie Blackwell, and that’s the truth. Yes, she’s stubborn. So bloody stubborn.”

He smirks at that and claps me on the shoulder.

“The best ones always are, son.”

“But she’s also sweet and kind. Smart as hell. Knows her mind when it comes to business, and it’s proud I am that she’s made such a success out of her bookshop.”

“And do you love her?”

My jaw firm, I stop walking and turn to face him.

“Listen,” he says as he rubs his hand over his mouth. “I don’t really care about the age thing. You’re both adults. I don’t give two shits about your money. Our family does fine, and Billie’s doing her own thing, like you said. But my girl is softer than she lets on to anyone. She’s strong and determined, and doesn’t show weakness often, but she’s a softhearted person, so if she’s just a good time for now until you find someone else who catches your attention, well, I’m going to tell you hereand now that I’m not okay with that. I don’t care what your last name is.”

I see where his sons get their integrity. It also affirms my respect for this man and how he’s raised his family.

“No, she’s not a distraction or a good time for now. Christ.” I push my hand through my hair again. “It’s not that I have an issue admitting how I feel about your daughter, but I haven’t even toldheryet, and I think, out of respect for her and our relationship, I’d like to have that conversation with Billie first.”

He narrows his eyes on me and nods, looking down at the ground. “That’s fair. And it tells me everything I need to know. Now, we’d better go make sure they’re not overcooking those burgers. Blake’s amazing in the kitchen, but he’s not great at the grill. Although I’ll deny I said that if you ever tell him.”

My phone rings, and Brandon nods.

“You take that. I’ll see you over there.”

He wanders over to the house, and I answer the call.

“Christ Jesus, it’s Sunday. Don’t you ever take a bloody day off?”

Ronan scoffs in my ear. “I take as many days off as you do, boyo. We need you in New York late this week. There’s a meeting regarding the new boutique hotel in Manhattan, and I’d feel better about it if you were there.”

I start to argue but then pause.

I’m planning a trip with my angel anyway. I’ll extend it and show her New York. Take her shopping and to a show.

Because I’m not going anywhere without her.

“Aye, okay. I can do that. Send me the details.”

I end the call and walk to the house, finding all of the brothers, plus Holden and Brandon, on the deck, hovering around the barbecue the way American men seem to do. But in the middle of them is my angel, holding a beer and laughing with them.

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